(L-R ) The leader of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, Mali’s military leader Colonel Assimi Goita and Niger’s General Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Alliance of Sahel States has sharply criticised the emergency landing of a Nigerian military aircraft in Burkina Faso, warning that any further unauthorised entry into its airspace would attract decisive action.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — the three military-led nations that make up the alliance — issued a joint statement on Monday, accusing Nigeria of flying a C-130 Air Force aircraft over Burkinabe territory without prior clearance. The aircraft, which was carrying 11 military personnel, was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso after declaring an in-flight emergency.
According to the statement broadcast on state media across the three countries:
“An aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, type C-130, was forced to land today in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency situation while it was operating in Burkinabe airspace.”
The alliance described the incident as an “unfriendly act,” and responded by placing its air forces on heightened alert. The statement added that military units had been authorised to “neutralise any aircraft” that violates the bloc’s airspace moving forward.
Notably, the joint declaration did not state what became of the 11 Nigerian personnel onboard after the landing.
Relations between the Sahel trio and their West African neighbours have remained tense. All three countries, battling years-long jihadist uprisings, broke away from ECOWAS in January after forming their own security and political pact. They have since distanced themselves from Western partners, particularly France, while strengthening ties with Russia.
The alliance’s latest stance underscores the deepening rift between the Sahel military governments and regional powers, and highlights the growing volatility in the region’s air and security operations.
NAF clarifies emergency landing in Burkina Faso, denies detention of crews
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dispelled reports of wrongdoing over the landing of its C-130 aircraft in Burkina Faso, insisting the touchdown was a precautionary measure taken after the crew detected a technical issue mid-flight.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal on December 8 when the crew noticed a fault shortly after departing Lagos.
Ejodame explained that the pilots acted exactly as international aviation rules require.
“Following takeoff from Lagos, the crew observed a technical concern which necessitated a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the nearest airfield, in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” he said.
Reports had circulated that 11 Nigerian crew members were being detained by Burkinabe authorities for alleged airspace violations. NAF, however, dismissed the claims.
According to Ejodame, “all the NAF crew is safe and has received cordial treatment from the host authorities.”
He added that arrangements were already in place to ensure the mission proceeds without further interruption.
“Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled,” the statement noted.
The Nigerian Air Force also expressed appreciation to citizens for their concern and support during the episode, reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to safety procedures.
NAF assured the public that crew welfare and operational safety remain top priorities as it continues to execute national and international assignments.
